Portable Device Touchscreen Input Element Enlargement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces on portable devices are inflexible, complex, and difficult to use, particularly for interacting with small user input elements like radio buttons, text input fields, and check boxes, due to their design and the need for precise finger contact.
Innovation Solution
A portable multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display and a graphical user interface that allows users to interact with user input elements using finger contacts and gestures, enabling easy selection and input even for small or illegible elements by detecting proximity and displaying associated information and receiving input upon contact break.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of functions performed by a portable device increases, then the device becomes more multifunctional, but the user interface becomes more complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface into multiple display areas including a main display area for content and a secondary display area for virtual pushbuttons. This segmentation allows complex multifunctional capabilities to be accessed through a simplified, organized interface layout, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by displaying virtual pushbuttons in a secondary display area adjacent to the main content area. This dimensional separation allows users to access multiple functions without navigating complex menus, as all functions are simultaneously visible and accessible in a structured spatial arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical pushbuttons are added to portable devices, then more functions are accessible, but the device size increases and the interface becomes less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical pushbuttons as graphical user interface elements displayed on the screen. These virtual pushbuttons replicate the functionality of physical buttons while consuming no additional physical space, allowing multiple functions to be accessed without increasing device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pushbutton system with a touchscreen-based virtual pushbutton system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical mechanical components while providing equivalent or enhanced functionality, maintaining compact device size while improving interface flexibility and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the density of pushbuttons is increased, then more functions are available, but the pushbuttons become smaller and harder to activate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the secondary display area with virtual pushbuttons can be selectively displayed or hidden based on user needs. When virtual pushbuttons are displayed, they occupy sufficient screen real estate to be easily activated, and can be dismissed when not needed, providing adaptability without permanently reducing activation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a selectable secondary display area as an intermediary between the main content and virtual pushbuttons. This intermediary layer allows users to access multiple functions without crowding the main display, and can be toggled on or off to maintain optimal button size and activation ease depending on the operational context.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable multifunction device configured for displaying an application on a display that includes a first user input element and a second user input element. In response to detecting a first input that corresponds to the selection of a first user input element, enlarging and centering display of a first area that includes the first input element and at least a portion of the second user input element. While displaying the enlarged first area detecting a second input that corresponds to selection of the second user input element. In response to detecting the second input, centering display of the second input element. Subsequent to detecting the second input, receiving input for the second user input element. In response to receiving the input for the second user input element, displaying a representation of the received input in the second user input element.